You were told last year that you needed a dental filling. There was a small area of decay on your tooth that your dentist spotted during your previous exam. You put off getting a filling because you were too busy at work.
Then, your tooth decay progresses. Your tooth feels sensitive to cold beverages and foods like your favorite—ice cream. But you don't worry too much because the sensitivity goes away. Until it doesn't.
About six months later, you end up at your dentist's office with a severe and constant toothache that's not going away. Now, you're told you need root canal treatment because your tooth is infected. This is a much more complex and costly procedure than a dental filling.
Following the guidance from that long-ago preventive teeth cleaning and exam, when your dentist first diagnosed tooth decay, could've saved you time in the dental chair, pain, stress, and money. Here's what you should know about the importance of preventive dental care.
The Small, Smart Investment: Preventive Dental Care in West Allis
During your routine exam with your dentist, we'll check the condition of your current restorations to ensure there's no problematic wear or breakdown that could lead to significant issues in the future. Your dentist will also screen you for early signs of concern, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer, all of which are best treated as early as possible. During your preventive teeth cleaning with our hygienist, they will take time to remove the bacteria and plaque buildup that contribute to problems like gum disease and cavities.
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring a Toothache
When a small cavity is left untreated, it doesn't just stay the same—it grows. What starts as a simple, affordable repair can quickly escalate into a dental emergency that requires more time, more invasive surgery, and a much larger financial commitment.
The Financial Impact of Dental Delay
Now let's look at what happens when your treatment needs escalate.
- Quick Fix: The Simple Filling (Average Cost: $150–$450) — Being proactive and completing a needed dental filling saves you time and money.
- The Price of Delay: Root Canal and Crown (Average Cost: Up to $4,500) — When your tooth becomes infected, you'll need root canal treatment and a crown to preserve and strengthen it.
- The Ultimate Financial Penalty: Total Tooth Loss and Replacement (Average Cost: Upwards of $6,000+)
| Stage of Decay | Recommended Treatment | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Early Detection | Simple Dental Filling | $150 – $450 |
| Infection / Pain | Root Canal & Crown | Up to $4,500 |
| Total Tooth Loss | Extraction & Dental Implant | $6,000+ |
When Does a Small Cavity Turn Into a Root Canal?
Once decay breaches the hard outer enamel of your tooth, it moves into the softer dentin and eventually reaches the dental pulp (the nerve). At this stage, a simple filling is no longer enough to save the tooth. By acting fast, you "seal" the decay and prevent it from reaching the point of no return.
Serving Our Neighbors in West Allis, New Berlin, Greenfield, and Wauwatosa
At Urgent Dental Care, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to a healthy smile. We help families from across the Milwaukee area avoid these high-cost emergencies through proactive, budget-friendly preventive care. Our office is open 9 AM to 9 PM daily—including weekends—to ensure you can get treated on your schedule, not your tooth's schedule.
Contact your team at Urgent Dental Care at (414) 667-0911 to learn more about how we can help you protect your smile.